Kidney stones can be excruciatingly painful, and it’s said that passing a stone through the urinary tract can bring about pain comparable to childbirth. Luckily, relief may be closer than you think with the use of essential oils. In this comprehensive guide, we discuss essential oils that may alleviate kidney stone discomfort and how they can be used effectively — all backed by expert aromacologists.
Table of Contents
Understanding Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard deposit of salts and minerals that form in the kidneys. They cause pain when they move through the urinary tract and may even lead to infections and other complications. Factors like genetics, age, dehydration, and specific dietary habits can increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
Essential Oils for Kidney Stones
Essential oils have been known to bring relief to the symptoms of kidney stones and may even aid in their prevention. Here are some popular oils that can be helpful:
1. Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon oil has an abundance of citric acid that is believed to inhibit the formation of calcium-based kidney stones. It’s also known to have detoxifying effects, which can help flush out toxins and prevent stone formation.
2. Orange Essential Oil
Orange essential oil has diuretic properties, meaning it can increase urine production, which helps flush out kidney stones, making it easier for them to pass through the urinary tract. Additionally, it also has anti-inflammatory properties that can lessen pain and inflammation.
3. Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil has been used to provide relief from the symptoms of kidney stones due to its antispasmodic properties. It can help soothe the discomfort caused by the stone passing through the urinary tract and make the process more bearable.
4. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is a popular oil for its calming effect on the mind and body. It’s not only considered highly effective in reducing pain but also can help reduce anxiety and stress associated with kidney stones.
5. Helichrysum Essential Oil
Helichrysum is a powerful essential oil known for its pain-relief properties. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help alleviate the pain associated with kidney stones and prevent infections.
Now that we know the essential oils that can help with kidney stones, let’s look at the most effective ways to use them.
Methods of Using Essential Oils
To fully experience the benefits of essential oils for kidney stone relief, consider the following methods of application:
– Massage: Mix the essential oil with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil and gently massage it onto the lower abdomen, lower back, and kidney area. This method can help alleviate pain and inflammation while simultaneously providing relaxation.
– Aromatherapy Inhalation: Use a diffuser or inhaler to breathe in the aromas of the essential oils. This method can help reduce stress and anxiety often experienced during a kidney stone episode. Note that this method is best used for mood-alleviating oils like lavender.
– Baths: Create a soothing bath by adding a few drops of essential oils to a tub filled with warm water. This method can help manage pain and inflammation while also providing a relaxing experience.
Essential Oils For Kidney Stones Example:
Tom, a 45-year-old man, has dealt with kidney stones multiple times in the past few years. After researching various holistic remedies, he turned to essential oils for relief. Tom began using a blend of lemon, orange, and peppermint essential oils mixed with coconut oil to gently massage his low back and abdomen twice a day. He also diffused lavender oil in his bedroom to reduce stress and anxiety. Within a week, he began to notice a reduction in pain and was able to pass his kidney stone with a significantly decreased level of discomfort.
Essential oils can be a practical, natural, and effective solution to alleviate the symptoms of kidney stones and promote overall wellbeing. With the expert guidance from our aromacologists at Oshu Oils, we hope this guide has provided valuable knowledge on the most beneficial essential oils and their applications. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who may also benefit from it. Don’t forget to explore our other comprehensive guides on essential oils and the Oshu Oils range of Artisan Essential Earth Oils!
